The Yoga rules

By Paul Jerard

Would you like to learn the secret arts of Yoga? The real truth is - there is no secret to: "Study, practice, study more, and practice again." Yoga is a lifelong journey, which for some Hatha Yoga students may start much like a gymnastic event. Then, over years of study, Yoga training evolves into self-realization and transformation. Below is a question and answer session, with a student, who is seeking to find the answers to the mysteries of Yoga and meditation.

Q: Is doing meditation by oneself safe?

A: Yes, meditation alone is fine, provided you receive some basic foundational instruction from a teacher or Guru. Books and DVD's can also be very instructive. Please research the style of meditation before taking up the practice.

It should be noted that a student of meditation should preferably practice one style with one teacher long enough to understand the basics. Impatient beginners do too much hopping around from teacher to teacher.

Invest time in research and practice for ten to twenty minutes per day for a month. You could always practice longer, but beginners have a tendency to "burn themselves out." Meditation is preventative medicine for a balanced mind.

Q: How can negative thinking be minimized?

A: The only way to keep negative thinking under control is to fill your mind with good thoughts. Mantra, japa, prayer, and positive affirmations will help. Instead of focusing your mind on what you should not be thinking, fill your mind with positive, happy, and compassionate thoughts. It is impossible to be a happy pessimist.

Q: Can I stay completely free from stress with Yoga?

A: No, stress is a part of life. Too much stress is not healthy and must be reduced. Every style of Yoga is capable of reducing stress levels. Please remember that moderate stress can be healthy, but overwhelming stress is potentially harmful.

Q: Are there any internal powers in our body?

A: Yes, there are internal powers within all of us. If you spend time with the right teacher, you can find it, and feel it, within the same lesson. For some students it may take longer, but your Yoga teacher is a helpful guide.

Q: How can we feel it and in how many days?

A: A feeling of empowerment without ego can easily be felt. There is no specific time frame for this process to take place. If time is a major concern, you should train under the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher or Guru. In this way, your teacher will guide you through the "learning curve."

Q: Is there any spiritual link between meditation, Yoga, and God.

A: Yes, there is definitely a healthy spiritual link between meditation, Yoga, and God. Yoga is filled with information for spiritual health and growth. It is true that some people do not believe in the concept of God. In this case, spiritual growth will still be realized with regular practice.

Some Yoga teachers only address Asana for the physical body, but there is much more. All you have to do is continue your meditation practice, while putting the concepts of non-harming, compassion, patience, mindfulness, tolerance, and happiness into practice during your daily life.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html